Tearing Down 5 Myths about Tornadoes

Tornadoes are one of nature’s most terrifying and destructive calamities, and several myths surround this phenomenon. Separating fact from fiction can help protect you and your family during a crisis. Here is a list of some of the most common tornado myths.

Myth #1: Seeking Refuge Beneath an Underpass Is Safe

Reality: An underpass is never a good option to take shelter from a tornado. The tornado winds can slam cars and send debris flying underneath the bridge. The bridge’s structural integrity can also become weak due to strong winds causing the bridge to collapse. Take refuge immediately in a storm shelter instead.

Myth #2 :Tornadoes Are Always Visible Ahead

Reality: Due to rain and clouds, tornadoes can be invisible, even obscured. Always stay alert to the latest weather developments by tuning in to NOAA Weather Radio or your local radio and television channels and prepare for immediate shelter.

Myth #3: You Should Take Refuge in the Southwest Corner of Your House

Reality: Tornadoes are unpredictable in terms of movement. They can travel in any direction. Hiding in one specific corner of your house isn’t safe. Instead, take refuge away from the windows, preferably in a room, a bathtub, or the lowest floor of your house, such as the basement. Or invest in a concrete storm shelter for better protection.

Myth #4: Tornadoes Do Not Hit Big Cities or Tall Buildings

Reality:  While certain geographic locations are more prone to tornadoes than others, tall buildings and big cities are equally at risk of being hit by a tornado. Recently, many US cities, for instance, Fort Worth, Dallas, Houston, Oklahoma City, Nashville, and Miami, have been directly hit by tornadoes.

Myth #5: Tornadoes Only Strike in Spring

Reality: While the optimal time for tornadoes can be May to July for cities like Oklahoma, Dallas, and Kansas, they can occur at any time and any day of the year. Tornado Alley has a reputation of receiving dozens of tornadoes annually, but recently there has been a shift due to the climate crisis. Other big cities in the US are receiving heavy downpours and tornadoes more often.

Now that you are aware of some of the myths and know the reality, it’s better to prepare an emergency plan in the event of a storm. Contact us today to help you and your family prepare for the storm through our storm shelters.

You can also visit our website to learn more about us.

How Are Safe Rooms Different from Storm Shelters?

The terms “Safe Rooms” and “Storm Shelters” have been used synonymously over the years, but when it comes to your family’s safety and protection against deadly tornadoes and hurricanes, it is of utmost importance to know the difference between the two.

At Oklahoma Shelters, we want our customers to be well-informed about the types of shelters so that they make informed decisions for themselves. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is The Difference Between a Safe Room And a Storm Shelter?

A safe room is a fortified building specially created to meet the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) safe room requirements. It offers nearly complete protection in extreme weather events, including tornadoes and hurricanes. The doors, windows, and walls are made of heavy concrete to withstand high winds, bullets, and debris. Moreover, it is equipped with communication devices and a panic button. They are insulated to maintain a neutral temperature inside.

In contrast, a storm shelter is constructed using reinforced concrete to resist the impact of tornado debris, hurricanes, and winds of up to 250 mph. There are two types of storm shelters:

1) Community Storm Shelters: They can serve as a dwelling unit for a group of homes or an apartment building because their design occupant capacity is over 16.

2) Residential Storm Shelters: These serve as dwelling units for a single-family home and have a maximum design occupant capacity of 16.

Most of the storm shelters come with additional space for chemical toilets and sinks since they cater to a large number of refugees.

Which One Is the Correct Choice For You?

The main difference between safe rooms and storm shelters depends on the level of protection they both provide.

Safe rooms are better for any untoward accident ranging from fire and bullets to various other threats. In contrast, storm shelters are specifically designed to protect you against natural calamities and EF5 tornadoes.

Homeowners can make the right choice based on where they reside. For instance, if you are a resident of Tornado Alley, then you might experience tornadoes all year round. In this case, a concrete underground shelter should be your choice.

Let Us Help!

There is no clear choice to make when it comes to choosing between safe rooms and storm shelters. Ultimately, you need to choose a safety unit that best suits your needs.

Let our team at Oklahoma Shelters help you more on how to go about this.

Learn more about our products by contacting us today.